“Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you” in June

Tuesday, June 17 (continued)

Before we leave Nephi, Utah, here are a few photos taken around the town.Isn’t this a darling little trailer? (Note the pastel blue wheel and the nifty tow vehicle.)

Here’s someone more interested in style than storage space. A convertible for a tow vehicle . . . what fun!

Why the goat? I don’t know. Because it was there?

The crew and I leave Nephi in search of another camp further north.

Rather than joining the ongoing race toward Salt Lake City on Interstate-15, we mosey along on Route 41 to Mona and continue on Route 91 to Santaquin and Payson.

At Payson we become entangled in suburbia.

I want to pick up the other end of the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway which crosses the mountains of Uinta National Forest from east of Nephi to Payson. My Benchmark atlas shows a campground called Maple Bench.

As is my habit, I research the campground online. According to publiclands.org, Maple Bench Campground can accomodate RVs up to 35 feet. The PTV and BLT, both being 17 feet in length, total 34 feet. Okay, we’re good.

I weave around Payson, enduring a few close calls with pressured drivers on their lunch breaks cutting me off.

I find the Nebo Loop Road and begin the climb up to Maple Bench (5,800 ft).

Although it’s only a thousand-foot increase in elevation, the road is winding and steep in places. It’s beautifully paved. Cars zip up and down the mountain. I let a few pass. We go by a “No camping outside of campgrounds” sign.

Finally we arrive at the right-hand turn onto the road that goes up to the campground entrance. I turn onto this road and, lo and behold, I approach a sign that says, “Not recommended for trailers.”

Huh?

Ya’ coulda’ put the sign BEFORE the turn. I back the BLT down the road to park out of the way. I leave the crew and walk the half-mile up to the campground and determine that the PTV/BLT can handle the road with no problems.

However, by the time I reach the campground ON FOOT, it doesn’t look like much. Maybe it’s my mood. I am very annoyed. As I’m hoofing it back to the crew waiting in the PTV, I hear four gun shots.

That does it! I don’t want to camp here.

Well, there’s no boondocking in suburbia. In order to find a camp north of here, I’d have to get on the interstate and go up to Heber City and beyond. I don’t have enough fight in me right now to drive in heavy traffic. We’ll backtrack to Santaquin and camp at Tinney Flat.

It’s going to be cold up there.

It’s a dark and cold day at lower elevation. Rain is in the forecast for later today. Oh well, we’ll only stay one night. How bad could it be?

And now, boys and girls, you will see the importance of elevation in regards to air temperature and precipitation.

Here we are, camped at Tinney Flat.

Don’t laugh.

I’m getting ahead of the story . . .

As soon as we arrive, I leave the crew in the BLT and walk a check for $10 over to the camp host’s trailer. (Regular camp fee is $20, half-price with senior card). I mention Maple Bench and he tells me I’m better off here.

“It can get pretty chaotic over there,” he says.

It’s very cold!

By the time I walk back to our campsite, the campground is blanketed in mist. For heaven’s sake, we’re in a cloud!

I hurry into the warmth of the Best Little Trailer.

Sleet begins to fall. A few minutes later, it turns to snow!

I can’t help but laugh at the situation.

In January the crew and I basked in sunshine in Yuma, Arizona. There were several days the temperature reached well into the eighties.

Now it’s June and we’re in a winter wonderland of snow.

Gee, the Fourth of July is only seventeen days away!

The fourth of July.

You know, Independence Day . . . that holiday of blankets spread on the grass, picnics, hot dogs and watermelon, maybe a game of softball, fireworks on a warm night . . .

Chaunte, I had asked Sue for the recipe. Go here http://rvsueandcrew.net/campgrounds-on-nebo-loop-road-nephi-utah/ for the recipe. Do like she said and don’t put a lot of flour…I think I only used a tablespoon or two. I fried it in real butter and a splash of olive oil. I had to use the Parmesan Cheese that you put on spaghetti but it still turned out really good. I’m trying to stay out of the stores as much as possible and so I make do with what I’ve got on hand. It’s a quick fix…thanks Sue. Hope you enjoy, Chaunte.

I’m very happy you enjoyed the Parmesan chicken, Cat Lady! That was nice of you to post a link for Chaunte.

Here’s the recipe again… very simple!

It comes out best using tenderloins or chicken filets (not too thick).

Coat chicken in egg, then bread both sides with a mixture of flour and grated Parmesan cheese. The original recipe says equal parts flour to cheese. The type flour doesn’t matter. I’ve used Bisquick pancake mix.

It’s better if you cut back on the flour and increase the cheese. Add any seasoning you wish to the mixture. Simply salt and pepper is good.

After coating the chicken, place it in oil in a pan on med.-low heat and cook until both sides are golden.

Hiya Sue! I think it’s just beautiful there. I love the snow! As always, the pictures are terrific and your post is just as wonderful! Stay warm and happy and safe travels! I can hardly wait to see where we go next! Oh, am I number 2 today?

That shot of the crew says it all….
lets get the H-E double L outta here! LOL
Patience Grasshoppers, back in your old stomps where I am tethered nearby….it is 100F in the shade, and the humidity is threatening the 50% mark…oh to be relaxed in a Casita in a snow storm in June! Its all about perception.
Easy for me to say since I’m not the one with cold toes and a slippery road to navigate while pulling said Casita?
All I have to do is step outside to feel the opposite of what you are sampling…I got all my planned and unplanned chores for the day done by 1:30 so I could sit by the AC. Hope the sun is out tomorrow, the sky is blue, and you and the crew are chasing butterflies in a flower filled meadow somewhere in Utah!
I’m feeling poetic today instead of pathetic..lol

Its almost time for the nightly news…but one last comment , it is on days like this that I feel so stupid…because my sister left SC years ago and moved to CO, Rocky Mountains High! Im always saying to her “why are you still there you got no family close by”…
she doesn’t have a clear answer but today I said to myself… “this is is the reason why!”
Peaceful night where ever you are.

Ok now that song is stuck in my head, it is pretty, I like snow too in winter 🙂 Heat is coming back …
The 4th is that close? In Ut you go thru the noise and crazy(s) of it twice 4th and 24th, oye, our poor pups, think thunder shirts from amazon are a must this yr!!!

Hope if you go east the route it shows is 189 hwy to Heber out of Provo, it’s an easy drive mostly 4 lanes (I think) and pretty (I know) it follows the Provo River..
Beautiful day for a drive today…
T~

You’re too late with the info on Highway 189. Due to the delay between post and reality, we’ve already left the area, taking another route. That’s okay. I’m happy. God willing, we will take that route someday.

Thanks for the reminder about the 24th being Pioneer Day!

(Readers: Pioneer Day is an official state holiday in Utah, celebrated July 24th of every year. The day commemorates the Mormon pioneers’ passage into the Salt Lake Valley from Emigration Canyon in 1847.)

Look forward to reading about where your travels have taken you, can’t imagine there could be a wrong direction that you take, even to a closed camp, your shared experiences sure make for great reading and some wonderful calgon moments (age showing here) for me anyway..
T~

Not bad. Looks like you’ve got blacktop all around. Cuts down on the mud. You are so brave, Sue. Never giving up. Just persisting. This spring has been cold and wet all over The Rockies. Glad to hear you have a fine heater inside the BLT. Stay safe!

That storm rolled in with a punch, all right. The timing was good. I didn’t have to drive in it and we were all set up and inside the BLT when it arrived. A new experience . . . snow-covered aspen leaves!

Sue, what beautiful snow pictures! I love the snow in the west — you know, the kind that stays white with brilliant blue skies above. Not the gray/black stuff in the Midwest & East with gray overcast skies. I would have loved a few days of what you have after the past 4 weeks in 100+ temps in AZ. Lovely, just lovely. I’m sure as long as Bridget & Spike get to snuggle up in their blankies, their world is just fine, too.

The snow was a very pleasant change once the sun came out. When we first arrived it was biting cold and then sleet. That’s not so pleasant.

Two days prior to running around taking photos of snow wearing my Nanuk of the North jacket and BearPaw boots, I was in a tank top, shorts and sandals wading in Salt Creek. That made the snow a refreshing change, for sure!

I wish I could give you a day on the mountain to break up the 100+ temperature days.

Well you were right,I was surprised by this camp! When I said I hoped it had a little bank to sit on I didn’t mean snow bank!I carefully read your replies to comments before starting mine.I was happily relieved to see you call the snow beautiful.

Sh-h-h,don’t tell anyone around here(because they hate long winters),but every time I spend winter in NY state,I keep praying for just one more snowfall…I find every one exquisitely beautiful.By mid-March through May,to say that around here would NOT be well received.

A convertible as a tow vehicle strikes me as a lot of fun,too.And a goat picture next to a tiny trailer in a hay field lends the charm I’ve come to expect interspersed through the great scenery you show.Like your getting off the road and inside just before the snow arrives,heart warming things and events are always around you….

As a former New Yorker, I know how much those dirty spring snowbanks are hated, as well as the slush. And you want more snow at that time of year? Yes, I’d keep quiet about that. Don’t tell the neighbors. LOL!

What I see as an ordinary part of my daily experience you see as heartwarming and charming. I like that!

Good Morning Sue,
Remotely placed,nothing here makes the snow get dirty,it sparkles with light as it melts…prayers for just one more… chance to experience the scent of fresh lilacs,evening of feeling warm high winds making the lake thrash towards us, awe struck moment as multicolored leaves fly around us-every season,of the year and of life holds so much to savor that gushing about how wonderful I find it is natural to me.

Just as being blessed with and surrounded by dear and delightful days is ordinary to you…

You appreciate each small delight you come upon,has today already shown you another?

One of the ways I watch you make the most of a life so amazing that ordinary days in it fascinate us is names.You’ve referred to a book to identify birds,what’s it called?Would you recommend that or a different one?

Dear Sue,
If I’d said in my second comment”You always pay attention to what’s heartwarming and charming in what surrounds you.Doing that is as ordinary and natural to you as appreciating each season’s beauty is to me.”- you might have better understood what I wanted to express.

Instead,sorrowfully,I get the sense,from your hesitation to reply, that you thought I was saying “You are oblivious to profound beauty.”

Each of your posts and comments make clear your capacity to see the truly valuable in everything.I have tried to stress how much I notice and enjoy that,and much else about you,in my comments.Yet,apparently, the brevity of time has prevented your surmising that I see nothing in you that deserves criticism.

My flawed use of language inflicted unintentional insult or hurt.

You,so loved by One who knew what you wanted and deserved,have been given a life like Eden.Thorns have no place there.

My sincere affection for you makes me want only your happiness.Perhaps the best way I can contribute to that is to desist commenting here,to prevent my shortcomings from interfering with what should only be a place of joy to you.
Thank you, ever so, for all you have given,shared with, and shown me.

weather! What ever are you talking about? I haven’t been insulted or hurt by anything you’ve written. Quite the contrary! You expressed yourself very well and I took your comment as one full of positive energy toward me, laced with compliments and kindness. I must not have written bmy reply very well.

If I hesitated, it probably was simply a matter of me missing your comment when it first appeared. I really don’t remember.

Sometimes I’m responding to comments and then something comes up — the crew yells at me for supper, I have to get moving down the road, whatever — and I close up the laptop right when someone posts a comment. That probably looks like I’m hesitant to answer, especially if I don’t get back to my blog for several hours. Or I reply to comments at the bottom of the page and miss those that appear further up.

Oh, no… Never think that I’ve taken offense! I certainly don’t feel any thorns, only affection, which I dearly appreciate.

Okay? Gee, I almost missed your last reply. So glad I found it in order to clear this up. So sorry . . .

It pleases me very much to know you had only felt what I hope you to.You’ve absolutely no reason to be sorry.Long ago I developed the habit of noticing small details that seemed different in people’s behavior.

Something as small as a difference in their voice,posture,eyes or routine may mean something is causing them pain.By choosing always to address such things immediately ,many needless heart aches have been avoided.

Happily,that particular exercise in nurturing relationships that can add to life’s joy was unnecessary here.I’d rather error on the side of caution for those I care for.May the moment of consternation you had while reading those remarks soon be forgotten,as we continue to share our playground 🙂

You’re wonderful, weather. Keep in mind that looking closely at me and my words might cause you to read me incorrectly. I can be blunt and moody and it means absolutely nothing! I’m the kid on the playground who lets go of the swing, accidentally letting it hit someone in the face! Luv ya!

Been following your blog for a while. I’m a woman who is very much like you, I think, and soon to retire. (also a teacher) . At first I considered a little trailer like yours, but now I am leaning in the direction of a pop-up truck camper on a 4×4 truck. Low weight, lower center of gravity, less wind resistance. These can have everything a trailer can have. What is your take on that type of vehicle? If you had one, would your travels be more or less difficult? I noted that once you said you might have liked a truck camper, so it piqued my curiosity.

A belated welcome to my blog! Great to see you here with a comment . . .

Before I express an opinion on pop-up truck campers, I need to remind you that I have no experience with pop-ups and no experience with truck campers, so my opinion doesn’t count for much!

However, I can see advantages to a truck camper. You would be able to go places where I cannot go towing a trailer. Places like old, small national forest campgrounds with very short sites, boondocks up rough roads that require 4X4, and places where one would want to be hidden somewhat (tucked in among trees and bushes, for instance).

Possible disadvantages… Getting in and out of a truck camper. Some of them have awfully steep, retractable steps with no railings. I’ve heard that it’s not that easy to leave the camper part behind, although I don’t know that you’d want to do that, because I assume the camper part is not cumbersome for driving around, like a Class C might be.

Maybe readers who have some experience will take the time to share with you what the pros and cons of a pop-up camper on a 4X4 are.

When I first started adult life, the BF and I had overhead truck camper. Things were a lot different back then, to now. I remember all to well the day the truck had to go to the shop for repairs, I mean, they needed the truck in shop on hoist overnight, turned into 3 nights 4 days. Finding a way and place to unload said camper and still be able to sleep in it (because we was young poor) was a rather, somewhat trying time.

It wasn’t too long after that ordeal, we became owners of a camper that hooked to the back of that truck. The truck never needed another visit to the repair shop.

We had a 5th wheel, spent many AZ winters in that. Traveling to and from was pain. We traveled from BLIZZARD conditions into sunshine paradise. Getting out of the truck, into the 5th wheel, cranking up the furnace and 4 burners, waiting in blankets to warm up enough to crawl into bed, ah enough for me! Got rid of that system, and the husband, too!

Remarried years later, bought a Class A, and now…. I pull up, park, push a few buttons, pull the drapes, and walk to the back and go to bed. Get up, shower, open drapes, hit a few buttons and pull on out… Tis the life! It helps me avoid dealing with people when I am not in the mood. Keeps me safer as I am not wondering if someone is hiding behind/front of toad waiting to grab me (not that anyone would want me and my moods) but, you get the picture.

Now, the serious side to consider… the high steps in and out. As we age, our bones get weaker. A little slip and fall, might bring forth a need for a new hip.

I could see a 4 x 4 truck with camper having some real plusses. Of course with compromises, as our rigs all have! Plusses I can see are that if you have anything else to tow, you can (boat, etc.) Also the whole rig is 4 x 4 (not just the tow vehicle). If you like to take it all out into the 4 x 4 boonies, that’s nifty.
On the other hand, any rig with a rear door…. it gets dirty in rain/dirt roads. Also, I find I don’t get the same “my living room is part of the campsite!” feeling as you do with a side door or, even better, multiple doors (van).

I had a pop top van (not 4 x 4) and (of course!) there were good and bad points. To the good, I got great mileage (18mpg) because it just had a normal van profile. Also normal fares on ferries, breezed through drive-throughs, could get into garages.

On the other hand, it’s not as quiet when the top is up (nice when you have nature sounds; not as good at Wal-Mart or truck stops, etc.), not as bear resistant (although of course they have no problem getting into locked cars, but still, a soft top is … softer), and not as “stealthy” (pretty obvious you are camping with the top up!). In my rig it was fully functional with the top down – that was key to me. But then I often travel more and make quick stops. I also had a hard time raising the top, and it precluded me adding things like solar panels (weight, not that there was not space). Some tops have electric lifts or etc.

With a truck camper or trailer, you can pretty much “keep it as long as you want” and just upgrade the tow vehicle when the time comes. That’s nice as compared to a van, A, or C, wherein when the vehicle part is done… time to buy a whole new home.

I don’t see very many truck campers off the truck and the truck off exploring alone, but I do see some. So my guess is it’s a bit of a hassle, but doable. There is also sometimes some “wasted” space because of the side pockets ahead and behind the wheelwells, but I imagine some models take more advantage of those than others.

I had a truck (years ago) with an overgrown topper (so it was like a camper, but not slide in). I did have a boot so that the normal truck back window was completely open to the camper, so I could crawl through (nice on a rainy night!); but that probably isn’t normally one on a camper you take on and off.

Many campsites are designed with a side door in mind, but that only applies if you are in campgrounds.

I have a friend with a smaller pop-up truck camper and a synopsis of his review:

1) Fantastic for solo, shorter trips. Efficient, compact, 4 x 4.

2) His model is not “self supporting” when off the truck, so while you can store it that way (blocked), you can’t use it that way while camping.

3) There is little “extra” storage. You no longer “have the truck” for things like bikes and extra gear.

Sorry, I know that was randomly written; hope it helped at least some anyway.

I have no experience with a truck camper, but they really make some nice ones now. I was in one recently where the dinette was in a pull out. I do have experience with a motor home, and won’t go that route again. Wasn’t convenient for the way I like to camp. If you tow a car, maybe…. I don’t want maintenance on two engines, for one thing. They need to be driven, too. It’s hard on them to sit. Good luck. It is fun to shop and browse the options.

Just love the pictures!
We have had snow on the 4th of July in the valley. Only place I know where you can go sking in the mountains in the morning and play a round of golf in the afternoon.
Glad you like our fair state!

Oh, I do like Utah, Michelle. Funny how people in the East say, “I’d like to go to California” or “Someday I’m going to the Pacific Northwest” or something like that about various western states. I never heard anyone say they wanted to go to Utah. And Utah is WONDERFUL!!!

Well written Sue….photos and all too!! Gave us quite a laugh!! Well, anyplace in the NW, any time of the year, CAN get snow. But it should not stay long. It sure does beat humidity in the south…boy does it!! I LIKE putting on more clothes…you can only take off so many!! Stay safe!!

Good point, Elizabeth, about clothes. I really appreciate having a couple of bins of clothing in the PTV for all sorts of weather. I’m in those bins often, putting away clothes, taking out clothes, as I adjust to different weather as we travel.

Thanks for the compliment on my writing and photography. I’m pleased you found some humor in it.

LOL… those two “nutcake” companions you have can really move fast when they WANT, huh? SNOW, YUCK…. this year has just really, been ODD! Keep warm, enjoy, and thanks for the great laugh! The adventures you and the crew get to experience gives many some good laughs.

Speaking of nutcakes . . . It’s interesting to me how much sleep Bridget and Spike require when it’s cold and miserable outside. They stay under the covers for hours! A lightening-speed potty run and back they go, under the covers for another long nap.

LOL I’ll be glad to tradejah my 90+ with max humidity for a little snow (grin). Photos are beautiful and the camp site looks quite nice, glad you stayed warm and I loved the photo of the nutcakes “enjoying” the snow…snicker… poor poochies.

Don’t feel sorry for these two spoiled canines. They get a few snowflakes on their FUR and they act like they’re persecuted. Then they are LIFTED up onto the bed where they snuggle under the covers warmed by the heater. “Poor poochies” indeed! 🙂

It was 29.5 degrees F this morning at Red Canyon campground. Sue…. can you PLEASE keep that cold weather up there where you are at? (not sure if “at” is needed at end of sentence. Thought I would throw it in there just in case. It might be a dangling participle thing… or not). Anyway, dang people up wind of me are trying to make a campfire. Downwind of them, I’d say they are only making campsmoke. So I’m leaving to go to Bryce N.P. and look at stars. Maybe their campsmoke will cool off while I’m gone and go dormant and improve the air quality. Safe travel to you and crew up there.

I feel your pain. A campfire isn’t going to do them any good, even if they do get one lit. . . not with that temperature. I found that camping anywhere near other people is a surefire way to become annoyed. Sometimes all it takes is for people to enjoy themselves. Gosh, so darn irritating, all that laughter. LOL!

Love the pictures of the trailers and the snow. I don’t mind the snow so much this time of year because I know it won’t stay. Cold here for a couple of days (50’s) then back up to 70’s rain and snow was needed it is so dry this year. When it’s cold like it was there do you run the catalytic heater all night?

No, I never run the heater while I sleep. I turned it on around 4:30 and left it on until I quit reading and was ready to call it a day around 10:30. In this small space and with a comforter and two warm pups, that’s sufficient. I didn’t turn it on in the morning as we left early to return to the valley.

Beautiful pictures of snow. I will look at them often when it gets too hot.
I hiked yesterday in Uncompahgre National Forest and it was 42 degrees early in the morning. I wish I had gloves but my hat and fleece jacket kept me warm. When I finished my hike it got to 62 degrees. No snow. Wildflowers beginning to bloom at this elevation. There are many disperse and very private campsites along Divide Road. One can stay there and then move not too far away to the BLM area.

Wow – what a contrast…the green, lush in-town pictures and those of your snowy, chilly camp. All beautiful! Those retro trailers are just too cute!

When I heard that SLC had snow, I immediately thought of you and the Crew. Spike and Bridget’s pictures are almost mirror images of each other. What are the odds of that happening?! I really enjoyed the cool, snowy pictures – made me feel like I was there….they took my mind off our very humid, just under 100 degree weather. Ahhhh…..thank you! Glad you have your little heatalators to keep you warm.

The mirror images of the crew . . . I took both photos while standing in the doorway of the BLT which was the “finish line” of the crew’s potty run. That way my camera was protected from snowflakes and I got the same shot of both nutcakes.

When i saw your first picture i thought your BLT turned into a PLT (Pretty Little Trailer) – you go in to have the wheelbearings greased & you come out with a “new” trailer!! Some deal. ;o).
Your post cracked me up. I hope i get to have some great adventures like yours when i finally get to hit the road (i’ve been delayed due to the sudden death of my brother, but i hope to get going in the fall). Unfortunately i don’t have any nutcakes to go with me, just my 15+ yr old cat but i’m sure she will prove to be quite . . . entertaining. She often mistakes herself for the Queen of Sheba.

Wow!!! sure could use some cooler temps here in SC. We’ve been in the mid 90’s all week and high humidity. I’m taking a day trip next week to the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville. I want to visit their campground and disperse camping on the Forest Road. The temps there are usually 10 degrees cooler. Stay warm in heart and cool in the head as always.

Sue, if you like, I can make you one of those L shaped thingies that will help you mate your BLT with your PTV. I am thinking of a design that will fold up for storage and open to an L shape when needed. Much more complicated things have emerged from my woodworking studio. Notice that it’s not a shop, but a studio. A place of sophistication, at your disposal. Later, we can figure out how to get it to you.
-Bob

That’s very kind of you! I’m sure you would come up with an elegant design for the L in your studio. 🙂

It’s difficult for me to coordinate all that I need to do — find camps, get propane, water, groceries, dump tanks, etc. — and add to that picking up a package when I move a lot. For those reasons I decline . ..I hope you understand. I do appreciate you thinking of me!